Modern cars depend on their built-in sensors for some of their basic operations and for achieving maximum road performance. One of the important sensors that a car has is the Crank Position Sensor. The crankshaft sensor is a pick-up coil type sensor that is composed of a permanent magnet, yoke, and coil. The toothed disk of the sensor makes pulses by passing through the magnetic field generated by the coil. The sequence of pulses is used by your vehicle's on-board computer to interpret the spinning rate of the crankshaft and to calculate the speed of the engine. The crank's rotational speed and engine RPM are important factors in many vehicular processes, including ignition timing control. However, given the location of the sensor, it is constantly exposed to extreme heat under the hood. Fluids such as oil that leak into the sensor can also hamper its performance. Plus, like all components, this sensor is also susceptible to wear and tear caused by constant use. When the components of the sensor start to fail, the best thing to do is to replace the whole sensor. You won't have a hard time locating a replacement because there are many replacement crankshaft position sensors on the market these days. To be sure that you're getting your money's worth, get a Crank Position Sensor right here at Auto Parts Warehouse! We've got top-quality sensors made by some of the most reliable manufacturers in the industry—and we make sure your purchase is accompanied by big savings.

Things to Consider When Looking for a Crank Position Sensor

With the right information from the crank position sensor, your vehicle engine is able to maintain ignition timing. This is why if this sensor fails, youíre likely to experience a variety of engine problems. Fortunately, itís easy to replace this component as long as you have the right tools, basic repair skills, and of course, a high-quality replacement sensor. To make sure that youíre making the right choice when shopping for a replacement, here are features you should look into:

Heat resistance

One of the most common culprits behind a malfunctioning sensor is damage due to extreme heat. Keep in mind that this component is usually located on the side of the engine block or in the timing cover and will be subjected to extreme heat on a regular basis. As such, a sensor made from high-grade materials that wonít easily wear out due to extreme temperatures is a good investment.

Circuitry

A good sensor should be backed by a high-tech circuitry to prevent power spikes and stray magnetic fields, especially since many American vehicles are equipped with sensors that rely on magnetic pulses. Now of course you wonít be able to really see the circuitry inside while shopping. So the next best thing is to check out top brands and read a bit about how they make their sensors. By arming yourself with the right information, you should be able to choose a sensor with a reliable circuitry.

Manufacturing condition

When shopping for a replacement sensor, you basically have two options in terms of manufacturing condition: remanufactured or brand new. Keep in mind that a remanufactured part is just as good as a brand-new one. As a matter of fact, many reliable manufacturers rebuild certain auto parts because it helps conserve energy, raw materials, and landfill space. When opting for a rebuilt component, make sure the product is designed and tested to meet or exceed industry standards and is made to match your vehicleís specs.

Aside from these factors, donít forget to check a productís brand, warranty, and price. Since many reliable manufacturers offer a lot of options at affordable prices, you wonít have a hard time in finding one that will match your carís specs and fit your budget.

Car Care 101: Replacing a Crank Position Sensor

A busted crank position sensor can be such a headache. Aside from ignition backfires, it can also lead to engine stalling and start-up problems. Fortunately, replacing this sensor is easy. Once youíve found a direct-fit replacement, hereís what you have to do:

Difficulty level: Moderate

Tools needed:

Paper spacer (optional)

O-ring (optional)

Socket wrench or screwdriver

Step 1: Prep your vehicle. Before you start tinkering under the hood, make sure that the batteryís negative cable is disconnected. This is to prevent short circuits that can easily damage your vehicleís control module.

Step 2: Locate your carís crank position sensor. Itís usually located at the side, rear, or on the front part of the engine near the main pulley. However, since its exact location depends on your carís year, make, and model, better check the vehicle manual to help you find this component.

Step 3: Disconnect the sensor wires. Once youíve located the sensor, youíll see that itís connected to your carís electrical system through a set of wires. Remove the wire harness by pulling it out, taking note of the order of the wire connections. There are usually three wires: one for the current feed, one for the ground, and another one for the output.

Step 4: Remove the old crank position sensor. After removing the wire harness in order to disconnect the three wires, pry out the bolt that holds the sensor in place with a socket wrench. Then pull out the old sensor. Depending on your car make and model, you might also need to pull out an o-ring or rubber seal that secures the old sensor in place.

Step 5: Attach the new sensor. Place the new sensor in position, following the original placement of the old part. If your car uses a sensor gasket, install a new oneónever reuse the old gasket. Place the new o-ring around the sensor and push it in place. Once the sensor and gasket are locked in together, reconnect the wire harness; make sure you follow the original order of the wires. If you notice that the sensor doesnít lock into place, you can adjust it with a paper spacer. After adjusting and checking that every part removed was reinstalled, reconnect the battery and take your car for a test drive.

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